Satellite push for 5G

The European Space Agency (ESA), along with most of the world’s leading satellite operators, is backing the use of 5G technology for media and entertainment, as well as carriage of 5G signals.

The announcement was made at the Paris Air Show June 21st and is backed by SES, Intelsat, Eutelsat, EchoStar Mobile, Telesat of Canada, ViaSat of California, as well as Hispasat and technology company Newtec.

ESA’s joint statement said they are joining forces to develop and demonstrate the added value that satellite brings in the context of 5G technology. ESA is proposing that the industry sets up an initiative complete with 5G service trials supported by its industry partners “on selected verticals, including transport, media, entertainment and public safety”.

The initiative is also designed to ensure that the system is integrated and interoperable with terrestrial services.